Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Anna Fur Laxis at Dr Sketchy Nottingham

As a little treat before our Bettie Page tribute show on Saturday we thought we’d take a closer look at one of our performers.

The intro on her website says it all. “Praised for her creativity, humour and originality, Anna’s unique take on traditional burlesque performance has gained a truly international reputation, with shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Las Vegas, Milan, Paris and Tokyo.”

Described by New York burlesque legend Dirty Martini as having "the absolute best take on the current Bettie Page mania. In a time where every rock-a-billy chick is sporting the Bettie pinup look, Anna takes it to a new level with a witty twist and a totally charming and accomplished stage persona.” Who else could we possibly be talking about, but the breathtaking, pulse-raising, and occasionally fatal, Anna Fur Laxis.

We feel very lucky indeed to have tempted Anna to our stage and can't wait to see the audience reaction to her "Viva Bettie" act, where she brings the 50's pin up icon to life through "woman's eternal dilemma: Should she try and be good? Or is it more fun to be bad!?!" It's definitely one of our favourites!

In true praise of Anna’s talents one of Bettie Page’s friends, Joan Branden, contacted her last year with this lovely personal message...

"Dear Anna,

I worked with Betty Page in the early 1950's whilst I lived in New York and before I was married. I loved working with her and she was very professional, a sweet girl. I was thrilled to hear that you are performing a Stage act about Bettie Page and I know she would have been delighted that you are doing it, it makes me so very proud that people still remember those days of Irving Klaw and us girls.

Joan Branden."

Anna's response was understandable. It's not every day you are contacted by the old friend of one of your heros! "Bettie Page died while I was working on my tribute act to her, so I felt it was very important that I do her memory the best justice I possibly could. I am so proud to be able to follow in the footsteps of Bettie and Joan and so many incredible women over the years, and it was a true honour to receive this message."

To see Anna, as well as Fanny Divine and Betty Jane, performing and modelling in our Bettie Page show come to Escucha on Fletcher Gate in Nottingham on Saturday 20th February at 12:30pm. Tickets are on sale through the website http://www.drsketchynottingham.co.uk/ or on the door (first come first served). We truly can't wait for this one and hope to see you there!